Trump warns Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes on power plants

March 22, 2026

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the United States would strike Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened without threats within 48 hours.

Warning via Truth Social

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS… the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.”

Calls for International Involvement

Trump emphasized that securing the strait is not solely a US responsibility. “We don’t use the Strait, the United States, we don’t need it… Europe needs it, Korea, Japan, China… so they’ll have to get involved,” he said, urging major global economies and US allies to step in. He described reopening the strait as “a simple military manoeuvre” requiring coordination, ships, and volume, and criticized NATO and Indo-Pacific partners such as South Korea and Australia for their inaction.

No Ceasefire, Military Pressure Continues

Despite growing international calls for de-escalation, Trump made it clear that the US military campaign would continue.

“You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side… We’re not looking to do that,” he stated. He further claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, asserting, “They don’t have a navy, they don’t have an air force… they don’t have anti-aircraft… their leaders have all been killed at every level.”

Global Tensions Escalate

Trump’s threat marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, raising concerns about stability in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.